Three Steps Forward

Since the query letters I'd sent out to multiple agents over the past few months weren't getting any closer to publication of my novel VOWS OF SECRECY, I decided to take a different approach. I attended a writing workshop that was recently held in Portland, Oregon. The event included several workshops featuring topics of interest to writers and, best of all, the opportunity to meet with literary agents in person. There were about a dozen agents attending the event, so it was important to know what type of writing they were interested in representing. I carefully read each agent's biography to select four agents whose "wish list" for fiction matched the closest to my novel. Once I'd chosen four agents, I then I tailored my pitch to emphasize the key words each agent had listed in their biography: Book Club, Identity, Family Relationships, Suspense, etc.

The night before the event I had a nightmare that was still on my mind when I arrived at the hotel venue the next day. In the dream, I met with several agents at the same time instead of individually. As is often the case with dreams, I had great difficulty trying to explain the plot of my novel and not even one agent requested the manuscript. Even though I had prepared my pitch in advance, I was so nervous when I arrived at the event that I was afraid my nightmare might come true--like a self-fulfilling prophesy of sorts. But I don't give up when trying to accomplish something important to me, much like continuing to write after multiple rejections. So, despite my ever-present nerves, I met with each agent at the times I was assigned.

Each agent was professional but approachable and I got through the day-long process without making a complete fool of myself. I am happy to report that three out of the four agents requested a synopsis and several chapters of the manuscript for their review. The next day, I emailed each agent to thank them for their consideration of my writing along with the material they requested.

Now the waiting begins. I'm not sure how long it will take to receive a reply, but the Portland workshop has brought me three steps closer to publication. The most I can hope for at this point is that one of the agents will request the entire manuscript for VOWS OF SECRECY for review. Stay tuned for further updates . . . .